New York City is filled to the brim with events and opportunities to meet like-minded individuals from any community. So, how do you go to find fellow feline aficionados? Here are a few ways to get started.
Join the NYC Cat Meetup
New York City is fortunate enough to have a Meetup group that is dedicated entirely to cat-lovers! In the past, this group has arranged outings to the Egyptian cat exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum as well as a trip to Meow Parlour, which is the first cat cafe to come to New York City. There have even been casting calls for Animal Planet documentaries.
Attend this year’s Broadway Barks
On Saturday, July 11, Broadway Barks returns to Shubert Alley for the 17th year in a row. Stars and celebrities come out to proclaim their love and support for both cats and dogs. The event and concerts are completely free, but the proceeds from raffles, silent auctions, and sales of signed memorabilia benefit local animal organizations. Previous years’ events have lead to the adoption of 200 shelter animals. Maybe it’s no wonder, since Tony-award winner Bebe Neuwirth strutted out on stage and declared herself a proud cat lady before introducing some of the adoptable cats one year.
Sit in on TNR Workshops and Events
Have you ever wanted to help a colony of feral cats in your neighborhood? The NYC Feral Cat Initiative, which is organized by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals, runs regular events and workshops throughout the year. You can satisfy your handy side by learning how to build feral cat shelters, or spend an adorable hour learning how to bottle-feed kittens. Chances are good that you’ll meet like-minded individuals that love to help cats as much as you do.
Volunteer with a shelter or rescue
Perhaps your home is feeling a little empty, but you’re not ready to adopt a cat of your own. If you become a pet foster parent, rescues will pair you with a loving kitty and plenty of pet supplies to take care of it. If you are unable to keep a cat in your home, you could volunteer at a shelter instead. Not only will you be helping cats in need, but you’ll become a part of a caring network of animal lovers.
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Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.
“A girl with her cat” by Niels Kliim is licensed under CC BY 2.0